Overview of the Analytical Writing Assessment

The Analytical Writing Assessment section of the GMAT consists of two 30-minute essays. This
is a separately scored section; it does not factor into your “general” GMAT score (the 800 point
score). Instead, it is scored on a 6 point scale (0 = lowest and 6 = highest) and it is reported to
schools along with your general GMAT score.

The 2 essays are (1) Analysis of an Argument and (2) Analysis of an Issue. An overview of the
AWA, including a listing of the essay questions are listed in Chapter 10 of The Official Guide For
GMAT Review, 12th Edition.

Each essay is scored by a human “reader” hired by GMAC. These readers are generally
university faculty members. One reader independently scores the “argument” essay on a scale
of 0 to 6. A different reader independently scores the “issue” essay on a scale of 0 to 6.

The Intellimetric (a computer program custom-designed for GMAC) evaluates essay structure,
grammar, syntax, sentence length and variety, and spelling and assigns each essay its own
score of 0 to 6. If the Intellimetric’s score differs from the human reader’s score by more than
one point, a second human reader will read and score the essay (and the Intellimetric’s score
for that essay no longer counts).

Your score for each essay is the average of the scores awarded by the human reader and the
Intellimetric (or the second human reader). Your final AWA score is the average of your two
essay scores, rounded up to the nearest half-point – this is the only number (from 0 to 6) on
your score report. Since your essays are not scored by the computer, you will not receive them
immediately. Instead, your AWA scores should be available online on your official score report
no later than 20 days after you take your exam.

General Writing Guidelines:

*Introduction--Body--Conclusion
*Use SIGNPOST words to guide the reader
*ONE main idea per paragraph
*Support ideas with SPECIFIC examples
*Vary sentence structure
*Proofread carefully

The FOUR-STEP writing process for each essay:

*Brainstorm (3 min)
*Outline (2 min)
*Write (20 min)
*Revise (5 min)

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Argument Essay Outline

I. Intro: Briefly restate the argument & establish your "take."

“Although the argument has some merits...”

“...several logical flaws undermine the claim, most importantly X and Y...”

II. Body: Explain one main point in each of 2-3 paragraphs.

Each body paragraph should contain the following points:

“One fundamental flaw in the argument is X...”

“This is a flaw because...”

“In order to address this problem, one would have to... (gather data) (run
pilot projects) (etc.)

III. Conc: Re-summarize your critique

Issue Essay Outline

I. Intro: Briefly restate the issue, define terms, acknowledge complexity & establish your
"take."
“Interpreting the term ‘power’ to mean...”

“Although one could argue... even so, I believe that...”

II. Body: Illustrate one reason in each of 2-3 paragraphs.

“One reason for my position is...

“An example of this principle took place in Northern Ireland in 1972...”

“As a result...” (tie it to your position)

III. Conc: Re-summarize your position, acknowledging the other side

Note: You will find yourself saying the same thing several times.
Do not use the same exact words!

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 DO’s and DON’T’s for the AWA

Analysis of An ARGUMENT

DO’s
1. Sharpen ability to critique
2. Find C.A.S.T. problems (Counter-examples, missing Assumptions, how to Strengthen
the argument, problematic Terms)
3. Understand fallacies in logic
4. Recognize assumptions
5. Suggest ways to alter the argument
6. Focus on Internal Cogency
7. Support your critique with sound reasons
8. Discuss missing elements
9. Be realistic about what you can accomplish in 30 minutes

DON’T’s
1. Present your own views on the topic
2. Get side-tracked through personal interest
3. Overlook fallacies built into the argument prompt
4. Use slang or colloquialism
5. Try to make a point with humor or sarcasm (your reader may not get it or like it)
6. Use puns, double meaning, flippancy

Analysis of An ISSUE

DO’s
1. Brainstorm examples for both sides
2. Choose one side
3. Sketch out an outline before writing
4. Present your own clear view
5. Defend your view with specific examples
6. Acknowledge alternative viewpoints
7. Leave time for proofreading
8. Practice under timed conditions

DON’T’s
1. Try to memorize sample essays
2. Digress from the issue prompt
3. Spend too much time on the Introduction
4. Ignore alternatives to your view of the issue
5. Use inflammatory statements or preach

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